POSTCARD: A Small Treasure || Powhite Park

Trail Armor.

As the hum of commuter traffic rushes by, I pedal away, reconnecting with the trail. With every turn of the cranks, the chaotic noise of the road gives way to the soothing rhythm of my tires gliding over the dirt. A narrow ribbon of twisting singletrack appears before me, hugging the landscape and weaving through every rise and dip in the terrain. My skills are put to the test as I conquer steep climbs, fast descents, and the ever-present challenge of roots, rocks, and log piles scattered along the way.

The Powhite trails may be among the city’s oldest mountain biking routes, a network that’s been around for at least 26 years. A labyrinth of trails stretches through a forest of towering hardwoods and resilient holly trees, making it nearly impossible to count the miles within the 100-acre park. Though small in size, it more than makes up for it in character, and it makes up in features that provide a challenge to most seasoned riders. 

I pass this park twice a day during my commute, never stopping to fully take in what it has to offer. My mind tells me I need to plan an epic, off-grid adventure, some multi-day excursion into the wild. But the truth is, the treasure I’ve been seeking has been right here all along—quietly waiting, just off the beaten path I cross each day.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

• Postcard Canal Walk James River Park
  
• Postcard Fall Colors
  
• Postcard Night Sky Festival Shenandoah National Park

To see more photos in this series, navigate to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flick